Can a 9 Volt Battery Save A Li

THE ROADMAP TO tDCS

SUCCESS
Interested in tDCS, what it is, tDCS devices,
how it can be used to improve learning,
reduce depression and more? Contact me
about speaking to your group.
brent@speakwisdom.com
Almost Criminal tDCS Still an Unknown
Depression Treatment
foc.us tDCS Headset Battery Replacement
THE ROADMAP TO tDCS SUCCESS
Yea! The new app for the foc.us tDCS headset
has arrived!
Not in the Box: The SpeakWisdom Guide to
Using the foc.us tDCS Headset
Thoughts on the Use of tDCS in
Education Settings
A $7 Usability Improvement for the tDCS-
Kit.com Device
Can a 9 Volt Battery Save A Life
Even Yours?
Product Review: tDCS-Kit.Com tDCS Devices
DIY tDCS Safety Standards
SpeakWisdom
About About Presentations Presentations Speaking Speaking tDCS tDCS
26
2014
Almost Criminal tDCS Still an Unknown
Depression Treatment
Introduction
This blog post deals with a very important topic: treating depression with tDCS. If you know anything
at all about transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), you surely know that it has been shown in
studies and anecdotal reports to have very positive effect on many depression patients ranging from
those with dysthymia to persons with severe, debilitating, drug resistant depression. It does not work
for everyone, but what treatment does?
The beauty of tDCS is that it is incredibly simple, has a spotless safety record, has no significant side-
effects, and with a little training can be used by a depression sufferer at home or wherever convenient.
Lets review some sobering facts: depression is a worldwide epidemic. In the US alone, over 14
MILLION people suffer with some form of a major depressive disorder. About 1 in 10 adults now use
some form of an antidepressant. Further, about 40,000 people per year commit suicide. (CDC)
What the numbers dont tell you is that many suffering with depression dont receive effective treatment
either because they dont have access, cant afford it, or commonly, are afraid of the public stigma of
having to deal with a brain disorder. And lets be clear depression is a brain disorder. For some, it can
be treated effectively with talk therapy. But for many, depression is rooted in a brain physiology and
chemistry problem and needs to be recognized and treated as such.
It really bothers me that mental health professionals are still mostly oblivious to the existence of tDCS
and its potential benefits for the depressed. Every mental health professional should be aware of tDCS
and use it when it seems appropriate perhaps before or in conjunction with drug therapy.
Three Examples of tDCS Depression Treatment Montages
tDCS involves placing electrodes on the head and passing a very tiny direct current through them in
order to achieve a desired effect. Because the causes of depression are individualized, an electrode
placement that works for one individual may not work for another. Current level may also need to be
adjusted. Its important that a depression patient being treated with tDCS be monitored to make sure
progress is being made as treatments continue. If no improvement is detected after a few treatments, it
may be time to try one of the other depression montages.
A normal depression treatment protocol is for 20 25 minutes of tDCS at 1, 1.5, or 2 mA at least 5
days per week for 30 days. Treatment is sometimes continued for an additional 30 days for maximum
result. Booster treatments can be administered at anytime in the future as needed if depression
symptoms begin to reappear. Some individuals are unable to tolerate 2 mA tDCS due to skin irritation.
Depression Montage #1
The anode (+ lead) electrode is placed high on the left forehead while the cathode (- lead) electrode is
placed on the right forehead. This is the most commonly used depression montage.

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Depression Montage #2
The anode (+ lead) electrode is placed over the right temple while the cathode (- lead) electrode is
placed over the left temple. This montage is interesting because not only can it alleviate depression, it
is associated with improvements in intuitive thinking.
Depression Montage #3
The anode (+ lead) electrode is placed over the left forehead (supraorbital region) and the cathode (
lead) is placed over the occipital region (middle of the back of the head, about even with the ears.) This
is a recently published montage that showed very promising results in a small study.

Helpful References
If you are new to tDCS, may I suggest you at least examine the below:
1. www.speakwisdom.com
2. www.diytdcs.com
3. www.transcranialbrainstimulation.com
4. www.pubmed.gov (search for tDCS)
tDCS Devices
tDCS devices are entering the marketplace with increasing frequency. Here are some suggested
consumer level devices to examine (in no particular order):
1. www.foc.us (buy with accessory kit)
2. www.tdcs-kit.com
3. thebrainstimulator.net
4. www.trans-cranial.com/tct/end-users-patients/tdcs-stimulator-products
5. www.cognitivekit.com
There are many more tDCS devices in the market, including impressive, expensive, professional
models.
Conclusion
Its time for mental health professionals to get serious about helping their patients needing more than
talk therapy with something other than a prescription drug. There is plenty of evidence and anecdote
that tDCS can help many depression patients at the same level or better than medications without all
the side-effects and expense. Do some research, attend a conference, speak to doctors now using
tDCS and help end the epidemic of depression.
By SpeakWisdom Tagged antidepressant, depression, diy tdcs, diytdcs, dysthymia, foc.us, mental health, tDCS, tDCS
Device, transcranial, transcranial direct current stimulation
1
2014
foc.us tDCS Headset Battery Replacement
I have a foc.us tDCS headset that was becoming unusable due to a failing battery. I
decided to replace the battery myself rather that take the time and effort to return it to
foc.us for repair. I thought you might want to see what is involved in battery replacement. Its not a job
for a novice good soldering skill (and good vision) is required. If you dont want to tackle the job
yourself, a local battery replacement shop might be able to do it as they often do soldering work.
The battery in the foc.us headset is a small 3.7V, 150 mAh lithium polymer type (model 041230) and
like any battery is prone to eventually fail. It is available from a number of sources including EBay
where I purchased mine for $3. By the way a single AA alkaline battery has a capacity of about 2,000
mAh thus explaining the need to charge the foc.us headset fairly often.
To replace the battery, you must remove the back cover which is held in place by two small torx-style
screws. If you dont have a small torx drive around, you may find a small flat-blade screwdriver will
suffice. Once the screws are removed, gently bend the headband back and the cover can be lifted
away. Inside you will find a small circuit board, the lithium polymer battery, and very thin, delicate
wires. Use great care as you work to avoid breaking a wire.
You will need to gently lift the board off of the plastic pins that position it as the solder connections for
the battery are on the underside of the board. You can then turn the board over for desoldering the old
battery and soldering the new battery in place.
(With the cover removed, the battery, circuit board, and thin connecting wires can be seen.)
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(I use a third hand to hold the board while I do soldering work. Note the red, positive battery lead is to
the outside edge of the board.)
Once the new battery is soldered in place, you can return the circuit board to its alignment posts, place
the battery on top of the circuit board, and then put the cover back in place. Be careful not to crimp the
fine wires from the battery or those running to the electrode sockets. Once the cover is back on,
reinsert and tighten the two torx screws and you are done!
I suggest you give the headset a good two or three hour charge and it should be ready to go.


By SpeakWisdom Tagged diy tdcs, diytdcs, foc.us, foc.us review, focus headset review, tDCS, tDCS Device, tDCS
safety, transcranial, transcranial direct current stimulation
18
2014
THE ROADMAP TO tDCS SUCCESS
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is a relatively new technology for treating
illnesses like depression, chronic pain (and more) and for enhancing memory, creativity, and
various kinds of learning. tDCS is simple, safe (according to current studies), and involves equipment
and techniques that are available to almost anyone willing to put in the effort required to learn to use it
correctly.
This article is designed to provide a roadmap to successful and safe use of tDCS and so points to a
number of references that should be reviewed before any attempt at using tDCS is made. If you will
carefully examine the items listed below, you will be much better informed as you make decisions
about tDCS and its appropriateness for you and your situation.
1. What is tDCS and How Does it Work?
If you want to understand tDCS and what it is all about, you have to dig a little.
Start with the basics: http://speakwisdom.wordpress.com/2013/11/05/can-a-9-volt-battery-save-a-life-
even-yours/
Please watch this video:
Prof. Vince Clark from UC Davis tDCS Summit 2013: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=dUMUIXNeBRQ
Then read this article (its a bit dense, but get what you can):
Transcranial DC Stimulation by Dave Siever, CET: https://www.mindalive.com/1_0/article%2011.pdf
You should also review these safety standards:
tDCS Safety Standards: http://speakwisdom.wordpress.com/2013/10/31/diy-tdcs-code-of-safety/
2. Pick a tDCS Device
You have two choices either build your own tDCS device or buy a commercial unit.
Build it Yourself
A P R
44
A Simple tDCS Design: http://speakwisdom.wordpress.com/2013/04/02/a-very-simple-current-regulated-
tdcs-device/
Or a little more sophisticated device: http://speakwisdom.wordpress.com/2013/02/10/user-built-tdcs-
research-device/
Buy a tDCS Device
Very Simple, Inexpensive: www.tdcs-kit.com (review at http://www.speakwisdom.com )
Also simple and inexpensive: http://thebrainstimulator.net/
The foc.us headset is sophisticated and capable: www.foc.us (I have a series of review articles on the
foc.us headset at http://www.speakwisdom.com.)
Another very capable tDCS Device: www.trans-cranial.com
The ActivaDose II is very popular. Technically it is an iontophoresis device but can be used for tDCS:
http://www.scriphessco.com/products/activa-activadose-ii-iontophoresis-device/
Electrodes
Look carefully at the electrodes that are (or are not) supplied with the tDCS device you purchase. The
foc.us headset, for example, includes electrode sponges and is ready to go. Other suppliers provide
stick-on electrodes which are generally not preferred. Most tDCS users and researchers have adopted
reusable 33 sponge electrodes as a starting point. Amrex is a popular brand and is sold widely
(including on Amazon.com). The Amrex sponges use a banana plug for connection. As such, you
may need an adapter to go from your tDCS device to the Amrex sponges. Most medical suppliers carry
adapters (www.scriphessco.com for example) or your tDCS device supplier may have them.
3. USING A tDCS DEVICE
As already mentioned, tDCS can be used to treat an assortment of illnesses or can be used to speed
learning, improve memory, enhance creativity and more. Check these links for information on the
montage that best suits your needs.
General Electrode Placement: http://www.jove.com/video/2744/electrode-positioning-montage-
transcranial-direct-current
General Electrode Placements for learning, memory, depression, savant learning, and chronic pain:
http://speakwisdom.wordpress.com/2013/08/31/the-foc-us-tdcs-headset-review-part-4-electrode-
placements/
Depression: http://speakwisdom.wordpress.com/2012/12/06/area-25-is-way-more-important-than-area-
51/
Depression: http://speakwisdom.wordpress.com/2013/03/23/4-inthe-youtube-series-treating-depression-
with-tdcs/
Researchers generally start with a treatment time of 20 minutes once per day for up to five days per
week. A current level of 1 mA is suggested while you adapt to the scalp tingle that tDCS may create. 2
mA is generally too high for beginners and can cause considerable discomfort.
4. FINAL NOTES
tDCS is a new and developing area of research. You should use due caution when attempting anything
related to tDCS. Better, seek out a medical professional for tDCS guidance and assistance. In Atlanta,
www.transcranialbrainstimulation.com is a great resource. You should also monitor multiple tDCS
information resources such as www.pubmed.gov (search for tDCS), www.diytdcs.com,
www.reddit.com/r/tDCS/ , and Google.
I hope you find the information contained in this article useful and will visit all of the postings I have on
http://www.speakwisdom.com.





By SpeakWisdom Tagged antidepressant, brain boosting, chronic pain, depression, diy tdcs, diytdcs, foc.us, focus
headset review, tDCS, tDCS Device, tDCS kit, tdcs roadmap, tDCS safety, transcranial, transcranial direct current
stimulation
2
2014
Yea! The new app for the foc.us tDCS
headset has arrived!
After a long, long wait, we finally have a working iOS app to control the foc.us tDCS headset. While
still needing some polish, the app released in January of 2014 gets the job done, allowing control of
F E B
44
current, duration and treatment type.
(foc.us app, ver. 2)
To get started, you need an iPhone 4s or later or and iPad 3 or later using iOS 7. Given those
conditions, go to the App Store, search for foc.us and you should have no trouble locating and installing
the app. Then the fun begins!
First be aware that though this is version 2.0 of the foc.us app, think of it as a 0.99 version. It works,
but has much polish and stability to be added yet. You will struggle with it a bit, but once you get the
hang of it, you will find it usable in accessing the features of the foc.us headset. As foc.us adds some
polish, this should become the app weve all been waiting for!
Getting Connected
Make sure your foc.us headset is charged and ready to go and that Bluetooth is enabled on your iOS
device.
To Connect:
1. Start the foc.us app
2. Place your headset in Ready mode by touching the touch-button for three or four seconds. It
should buzz and the blue foc.us logo should blink.
3. Touch Bluetooth at the bottom of the app screen. The headset should show in the list of
available Bluetooth devices as foc.us gamer. Touch Connect. Note if you take too long, the
headset may drop out of Ready mode.
(App and headset connected)
1. Touch the Current circle and move the slider to the desired current level. If you are new at all
of this, I suggest 1.0 mA. Touch Change to confirm.
(Setting the current level in the app)
1. Touch the Duration circle and move the slider as desired. Normally, tDCS sessions are 20
minutes (in research anyway.) Touch Change to confirm.
2. Touch Mode. Unless you have a specific research reason to do otherwise, Id pick
Continuous that is tDCS.
(Pick Continuous for tDCS)
Once the above selections are made, the tDCS session should start immediately.
If your tDCS session does NOT start immediately, the app and your headset have probably lost contact
with each other (even though the Bluetooth screen shows otherwise). I suggest closing the foc.us app
(double-click home on your iOS device, and flick the foc.us app UP to close it). START OVER at step
1 above.
During the tDCS session, the Duration will count down minute by minute. At the end of the session
there is a brief buzz from the headset to let you know the session is complete.
(Duration counts down as session progresses)
Oddities
1. The app and the headset seem to lose sync with each other if you delay too long in making
selections, cancel a session, or do much other than the steps I show above. (Remember its
really a 0.99 release.)
2. The duration reads 00 during the last 59 seconds of a session.
Update to my Free Guide to using the foc.us headset
Ill be adding these instructions and more to my free guide in the next few days. Id appreciate any input
you have as the objective is to help headset users get the most from the product. The button to
download the free guide is on the right side of my main blog page.
By SpeakWisdom Tagged antidepressant, brain boosting, chronic pain, diy tdcs, diytdcs, Education, foc.us, foc.us app,
foc.us review, focus app, focus headset review, tDCS, tDCS Device, tDCS kit, tDCS safety, transcranial, transcranial direct
current stimulation
25
2013
Not in the Box: The SpeakWisdom Guide
to Using the foc.us tDCS Headset
If you own or plan to buy a foc.us tDCS headset, you may be interested in the guide to using the
headset that I have posted. The guide is an excellent walk-through of basic use and setup of this
excellent product. Whether your interested in improving memory, learning, performance on games, or
relief from depression or chronic pain, tDCS may be right for you. The foc.us headset provides a very
capable, affordable way to give tDCS a try.
See the link on the right side of the main page of www.speakwisdom.com for your FREE copy of the
guide.
I invite your comments and suggestions on the guide.
Enjoy!
Brent
By SpeakWisdom Tagged antidepressant, brain boosting, chronic pain, depression, diy tdcs, diytdcs, foc.us, foc.us
instructions, foc.us review, foc.us user guide, focus headset review, tDCS, tDCS Device, test prep, transcranial direct
current stimulation
D E C
66
20
2013
Thoughts on the Use of tDCS in
Education Settings
Why the Interest in tDCS?
Research studies and anecdotal evidence show that tDCS, a simple and safe way to stimulate the
brain, does have the ability to enhance memory, speed learning, improve physical skill, and enhance
creativity. There are now well over 1,000 published studies of tDCS with more underway and research
participation of institutions ranging from Harvard Medical, MIT, Emory University, to the University of
Alabama and dozens more.
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(tDCS headset. http://www.foc.us)
Already, high-school and college students are catching on to just what tDCS may do for them. There
are many YouTube and blog posts from and by students discussing their experience with tDCS and
others asking for help in setting up and using a tDCS device. Some indicate substantial improvement
in their performance with tDCS. As tDCS devices become more accessible and word of it continues to
spread through popular press and internet resources (NYT, Nature, Scientific American and many
others have already published tDCS articles), educators can eventually expect to be confronted with
some significant ethical and policy questions.
While its difficult to pin-down an exact percentage improvement students see in their work, (more
studies are required), students use words like significant, substantial, and surprising in their
comments. As time goes on, not only will more students demand access to tDCS, it is likely that
parents, seeking greater success for their children, will encourage its use.
How Might tDCS Be Used by Students
During study for tests including high-stakes (SAT, etc.)
Learning lists of material (names, dates, places, events, etc.)
Learning new languages (spoken and written)
Improving athletic skill
Enhancing creativity in writing, art, film production, etc.
To reduce or eliminate depression (a common problem in student populations)
Ethical Issues
Educators must face the reality that certain students will brain boost using tDCS and by doing so,
improve their classroom performance as well as on assorted tests that are common in education
settings. Even high-stakes test outcome could be positively influenced for students making proper
use of tDCS. Student athletes may use tDCS to improve their performance on the tennis court or
football field.
If a student using tDCS for study can perform 10% better on an SAT test than an equally
talented student who does not possess a tDCS device, is there a fairness or ethical issue?
If a student has a learning disability and through the use of tDCS is able to perform at non-
disability levels, is there a fairness or ethical issue?
Will we now enter a new era of haves and have nots in K-12 and higher-education learning?
Will students from middle-class and above families, able to afford a device and related training,
take advantage of it while lower income, less advantaged students will go without?
If tDCS, well used, can improve test scores, is that not ultimately going to be very significant in the
lives of some students?
(George Mason University)
Policy Questions
If tDCS is going to play some role in the lives of K-12 and higher ed students in the coming years, then
perhaps its time to begin creating policy to address tDCS including:
1. Will tDCS use be permitted (even though it will be impossible to regulate home use)?
2. Will students be trained in proper tDCS use in school? (or after school)
3. Will schools provide tDCS devices for students when the family cannot afford it?
4. Will schools encourage tDCS as a means to improve test scores?
5. Will school clinics offer tDCS treatments for those suffering with depression (rather than
medicate them?)
6. Will legal liability issues limit the ability of schools to responsibly encourage and direct the use
of tDCS in education settings?
tDCS is a wonderful thing! It has the potential to help the human condition on so many levels from
depression to Parkinsons disease, with learning enhancements thrown in as a bonus. How will we, as
educators, respond to this fascinating new capability which students have already discovered?
Let the dialog begin!
Contact me via brent@speakwisdom.com
For more information on tDCS see www.speakwisdom.com, http://www.diytdcs.com,
http://www.transcranialbrainstimulation.com, http://www.pubmed.gov, and Google!
By SpeakWisdom Tagged antidepressant, brain boosting, chronic pain, depression, diy tdcs, diytdcs, Education, education
policy, foc.us, Higher Education, K-12, tDCS, tDCS Device, tDCS kit, tDCS safety, transcranial, transcranial direct current
stimulation
9
2013
A $7 Usability Improvement for the tDCS-
Kit.com Device
I recently reviewed the tDCS-Kit.com devices and found them to be useful but bare-bones. For about
$40 you get a current regulated tDCS device that puts out a max of about 2 mA. ( See
http://speakwisdom.wordpress.com/2013/11/03/product-review-tdcs-kit-com-tdcs-devices/ ) While Im
not a fan of the USB version, the 9-volt battery version deserves consideration. Being bare-bones, the
device is a bit harsh on start-up and shutdown and offers no control of the current delivered other than
the 2 mA limit.
I constantly receive emails and messages from folks from all over the world complaining that they
cannot afford the $250 (or more) the more sophisticated tDCS devices cost. Yet they are desperate for
help with depression, chronic pain, etc. So the price of the tDCS-kit.com device is attractive it
provides a serviceable tDCS device at a very low cost.
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(tDCS-Kit.com Device)
With a very simple modification, the tDCS-kit.com device can have current control! That means you
can start and end a tDCS session by ramping current up and down in a comfortable way and limiting
current at a desired level (say 1 or 1.5 mA.)
Here is what you need:
1. 5 k-Ohm linear potentiometer RS part 271-1714 $3.49
1. Project box RS part 270-1801 $3.49
1. Knob from your junk box or other source
You also need the ability (or have a friend) who can do some basic soldering.
Simply put, the potentiometer will be connected ACROSS the anode and cathode lead from the tDCS-
kit.com device. It will act as an adjustable alternate pathway for current so that not all of the 2 mA
from the tDCS device will pass through your head. Along the way, you may want to replace the pin
style connectors with alligator clips (my preference) or banana plugs.
(Simple diagram of the mod to the the tDCS-Kit.com device.)
(I put the potentiometer in a little project box. Note that I clipped the pin connectors off and soldered the
red-striped lead to the center of the potentiometer. The red anode lead to the electrode also goes there.
The black cathode leads are soldered to the bottom terminal of the potentiometer.)
(Complete! tDCS-Kit module is at the left. Leads to electrodes appear at the right.)
May I suggest you also spend a little money and buy a digital multi-meter (many for $10 or less.) You
will need that to monitor the current level you are using for your tDCS session. The multi-meter is set to
read current and is placed in series with the red (anode) lead and connects to that electrode. With the
modification shown above, you can vary current up to the max of 2 mA that the device will deliver.
Warning: Disconnect the battery when not using the device as there will always be a load present.
I think you will find this simple modification makes the tDCS-Kit.com device far more versatile and
comfortable to use.
As with any DIY tDCS project, you are responsible for your own actions and safety. If you are not sure
what you are doing STOP and get help from a professional and/or read, read, read about tDCS.
By SpeakWisdom Tagged antidepressant, chronic pain, depression, diy tdcs, diytdcs, Education, foc.us, tDCS, tDCS
Device, tDCS kit, tDCS safety, tDCS-kit.com, transcranial, transcranial direct current stimulation
5
2013
Can a 9 Volt Battery Save A Life
Even Yours?

A 9 Volt Battery???
Its becoming very clear that persons with serious brain related issues can, in many cases, be very
effectively treated with the simple application of an extremely low current to the scalp, sourced from a
common battery! Nothing painful, exotic, complicated, or dangerous is involved. Yes, transcranial direct
current stimulation (tDCS) can be used to treat depression, chronic pain, and is being researched as an
aid for Parkinsons and Alzheimers patients. But TDCS has also been shown to be an effective way to
speed learning, ease memorization, and enhance creativity. As an example of how far ranging tDCS
use is, the US Air Force and Army have apparently been using tDCS techniques to improve cognitive
capabilities for years!
(Scientific American)
Ive been completely fascinated by tDCS since I first learned of it. What other technology is so simple
yet has the potential to help so many whether it be to treat depression, chronic pain, or just
dramatically improve the ability to learn or memorize almost anything. What else does all of that with
almost no risk or side-effects? Why this isnt the lead story on the evening news and your local paper is
hard to explain.
Think this is all hocus-pocus? Many big name research institutions around the world are now involved
in tDCS including MIT, Harvard Medical School, Emory University, University of Michigan, the
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, University Medicine Berlin, The
City College of New York and many more. A quick look at http://www.pubmed.gov will reveal that over
900 studies of tDCS have now been published!
What is the treatment?
tDCS basically involves using a tiny amount of energy from a battery applied in particular locations on
the scalp, depending on the effect desired. A one or two milliamp ( 0.001 amp) direct current is applied
via saline-wetted sponges to two points on the head. For example, for depression the negative lead is
placed just above the right eye on the forehead and the positive lead goes high on the left-forehead.)
For depression, typical treatment lasts about 20 minutes once a day for about 30 days and the person
receiving the treatment feels nothing other than a slight tingle. Treatment can easily done at home.
Thats it. No expensive medications with unpredictable results and terrible side effects. It works! Wow!
Big pharma is not going to be happy about this!
tDCS treatment hardware is so simple that people (sometimes desperate for help and at the end of their
N O V
rope) are building their own tDCS treatment systems (about $50 in parts at Radio Shack will do!
Instructions are on the web.)
(An example tDCS device built by the author)
While assembled tDCS equipment sold by vendors in the US normally requires a prescription (raising
the price to $300 or more), the safety record of tDCS has caused the FDA and suppliers to look the
other way allowing a number of vendors to now begin offering tDCS equipment directly to individuals.
For example, a company by the name of foc.us has recently started shipping a feature laden tDCS
headset which sells for about $250.
(medgadget.com)
There are doctors and clinics now offering tDCS services. One of the better known is in Atlanta
see http://www.transcranialbrainstimulation.com/ Heres a quote from the Atlanta clinic website,
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is a safe, non-invasive therapy for treatment-resistant
neurologic, psychiatric and chronic pain disorders. You can increase memory and learning with tDCS,
too. Effective, easy-to-do, inexpensive and without side effects, tDCS can be done in the outpatient
clinic or, for the appropriate patient, in the home which provides obvious advantages.
So, Can a 9 Volt Battery Save a Life Even Yours?
The Centers for Disease Control reports that about 10% of Americans are clinically depressed and
either on medication or in need of it. Also, about 40,000 people per year commit suicide in the US!
This huge depression/suicide problem is not being effectively addressed because many who need
treatment will not seek it out. Why? There are several possible reasons including the stigma of
depression and its treatment, lack of access to appropriate care, the high cost of treatment and
medications, etc. tDCS is inexpensive, simple, side-effect free, and shown to have positive effect in
many scientific studies. In my opinion, It should be in the tool kit of every doctor and mental health
professional.
Ill close for now and provide you with some links to investigate. tDCS looks to be a bombshell that
could literally transform the lives of many, many people. It probably deserves your awareness!
To get you started:
I have a large number of tDCS related articles and links on my website:
www.speakwisdom.com
General Interest Wikipedia Article:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transcranial_direct-current_stimulation
tDCS Scientific American and the Air Force:
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=amping-up-brain-function
General Interest Article with Many References
http://www.mindalive.com/articlenten_Transcranial_DC_Stimulation.htm
British Journal of Psychiatry:
http://bjp.rcpsych.org/content/200/1/52.abstract
http://bjp.rcpsych.org/content/200/1/10.abstract
Interesting Video and Text about Electrode Positioning:
http://www.jove.com/video/2744/electrode-positioning-montage-transcranial-direct-current
Atlanta Doctor Providing tDCS Services:
http://www.transcranialbrainstimulation.com
tDCS Headset:
www.foc.us
Links to more tDCS information
http://www.diytdcs.com
By SpeakWisdom Tagged antidepressant, chronic pain, depression, diy tdcs, diytdcs, Education, Education Crisis, foc.us,
focus headset review, tDCS, tDCS Device, tDCS kit, transcranial, transcranial direct current stimulation
3
2013
Product Review: tDCS-Kit.Com
tDCS Devices
Introduction
If you are new to transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and unfamiliar with it, may I suggest
you click on the tDCS link above and read some of my other posts. This post assumes that you are at
least somewhat familiar with tDCS and are curious about the device offering from tDCS-Kit.com.
The Products
tDCS-Kit.com offers two very interesting and potentially useful tDCS devices, one powered by a 9 volt
battery (pretty common setup in the world of tDCS) and another more unique (and perhaps riskier)
powered from a USB port. According to tDCS-Kit.com, both use an LM-334 regulator to produce a
maximum current of about 2 mA, depending on electrodes and other factors (more below).
(tDCS-Kit.com tDCS Device powered by 9 volt Battery. Pic from the web)
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(tDCS-Kit.com tDCS Device powered by USB. Pic from the web)
What really sets the products from tDCS-kit.com apart from other tDCS offerings is simplicity and
price. $39.95? Are you kidding? You could hardly build a device yourself for less money.
Whats Included?
You get a cable that connects to the power source (9v or USB) it has the regulator circuitry in a
small housing about mid-cable. At the end are anode and cathode pin-style connectors for electrodes.
tDCS-Kit includes a small starter selection of electrodes to get you going and a small carry-bag, but
you will need more electrodes very quickly. See my suggestion below.
(Small kit of electrodes supplied. Pic from the web)
Operation
Its about as simple as it gets.
You decide upon electrode placement (by carefully researching on your own). tDCS-Kit does not
supply montage information. An assortment of links at tDCS-kit.com get you started on your
research.
After placing your electrodes, you connect the cable to the appropriate power source and off you
go.
Limitations
1. tDCS-Kit devices do not ramp the current up or down as a session begins and ends, so you are
likely to see a phosphene. You may also feel pronounced, even uncomfortable, tingling as
current begins to flow. The devices do not include any form of timer that is left up to you.
Finally, the devices do not report actual current delivered in any way. You are left to guess how
much current is actually flowing from 0 to 2 mA.
2. You may have difficulty reaching an effective treatment current level with the supplied stick-on,
gel electrodes (or those that you might buy). Gel electrodes always have some built in coupling
resistance by nature. The resistance level is highly variable by brand/model of electrode from
hundreds to thousands of ohms! This can be a problem because the source voltage is only 5 or
9 volts (USB or 9 volt battery model.) Professional model tDCS devices overcome this
resistance by automatically raising delivery voltage via a buck converter or similar circuit
some as high as 80 volts! The tDCS-kit devices cannot do this. BTW Saline wetted sponges are
typically much closer to zero ohms due to salt-water contact with the skin.
3. Im very concerned about the USB model of the tDCS-Kit device. Yes I err on the safety side
in saying this, but its possible that sooner or later someone will be hurt by connecting the USB
device to an electrical outlet source. An unlikely and unusual failure might get them hurt or
killed. I have a strong stand that for the DIY tDCS world at least, no tDCS device should be
directly or indirectly connected to a wall electrical outlet. Its not worth the risk and is certainly
not necessary.
(Never, ever, do this!)
4. Its my experience that some people cannot handle tDCS at 2 mA due to skin sensitivity or other
issues. I havent seen any problems with 1 mA treatments and very few at 1.5 mA. Perhaps tDCS-
Kit should offer some lower current alternatives with 1.5 mA being a good middle ground.
Suggestions
If you are planning purchase of a tDCS-Kit device, may I suggest:
1. Buy the 9 volt battery device and avoid the temptations of USB that could really get you hurt.
2. If you must buy the USB device, get a low current reserve USB Battery about $10 on
Amazon and only connect the device to that battery. Make sure you get one with a full-size
USB socket. Never connect to a USB power adapter! I would not even connect to a laptop or
tablet. tDCS-Kit indicates their devices are fuse protected. But why take the risk?
(USB Battery. Pic from Amazon.com)
3. Use some method to measure delivered current (DVM for example). Otherwise how do you have
any idea if you are properly following a treatment montage?
4. My tests show that you will have trouble reaching desirable current level (reliably) using gel
electrodes. You might consider sponge electrodes instead (the Amrex 2 are very popular and
available from a number of sources including Amazon.) You will need to make or buy an
adapter for the Amrex electrodes they use a banana style plug. A simple adapter can be made
with an alligator-clip lead. Cut off one end and attach a banana plug. The other alligator clip can
connect to the tDCS-Kit pin-plug.
Wrap-Up
The tDCS-Kit devices represent a bare-bones, low-cost way to get a tDCS device. This is not an
ActivaDose or foc.us headset. The build quality seems very good, but you must recognize and
understand the feature limitations of the devices and buy only if you are prepared to deal with them.
Remember it is DIY. As with everything DIY tDCS, it is up to you to do your homework, be well
informed, and make sure your priority is safety.
By SpeakWisdom Tagged antidepressant, chronic pain, depression, diy tdcs, diytdcs, foc.us, tDCS, tDCS Device, tDCS
kit, tDCS-kit.com, transcranial, transcranial direct current stimulation
31
2013
DIY tDCS Safety Standards
The do-it-yourself transcranial direct current stimulation (DIY tDCS) community is growing in
numbers and sophistication particularly as new studies are published and tDCS devices
emerge in the marketplace. It may be time to be a bit more proactive in providing safety information to
many who will become curious enough about tDCS to want to try it.
Id like to propose DIY tDCS Safety Standards (better name welcome). Below is a draft for your
comment. Perhaps if we can get some agreement on content and wording, those of us who publish
tDCS blogs and websites as well as vendors could consider posting it somewhere on their site.
By proposing this code of safety, Im not encouraging anyone to try tDCS, but I know its happening
so guidance is appropriate and necessary.
DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT (Your comments welcome. Ill repost blog this as I edit it with your
suggestions.)
DIY tDCS Safety Standards
As a potential or current do-it-yourself tDCS user I agree to
the following:
1. I will, if reasonably possible, seek out a medical professional for tDCS advice, treatments and
follow-up.
2. If I have cranial scar tissue, an implant, or other unusual medical condition, I will seek clearance
from my doctor before using tDCS. If I have a seizure disorder I will refrain from using tDCS or use it
only under direct supervision of qualified medical personnel.
3. I will not, under any circumstances, directly connect a battery to my head. I understand that I could
greatly exceed the maximum 2 mA current limit used by tDCS researchers, possibly harming myself in
the process.
4. I understand that electronic components can fail unpredictably. For this reason, I will never plug a
tDCS device directly or indirectly into an electrical outlet. I understand that by doing so a simple
component failure could result in death (or worse).
4a. If I do not have a solid understanding of electrical and electronic concepts, components, and
procedures, I will not attempt to build a tDCS device.
5. I will not exceed 30 minutes in a tDCS session. This is the maximum used in tDCS research. I will
use the buddy system and never proceed with a tDCS session without someone else present who is
familiar with the shutdown process for my tDCS device or who can at least remove electrodes and
summon additional help should that be necessary.
6. I will use some means to verify the current level being produced by my tDCS device. This could be
from a built-in ammeter or an external digital volt meter (DVM). I will never exceed the 2 mA limit used
by tDCS researchers.
7. I will use electrode placements that have been studied and published by respected researchers and
not simply guess or experiment with electrode placement. I will do my best to stay abreast of tDCS
research and development.
8. If I detect any undesirable effect from tDCS, I will immediately cease use until the cause is clearly
understood and corrected.
9. I will not experiment on friends, family, associates, or others. It is up to each individual to read,
research, and understand the risks, benefits, and limitations of tDCS and make their own decision
about its appropriateness to their situation, preferably in consultation with a medical professional. I will
never use tDCS on children or animals.
10. I understand that, with regard to DIY tDCS and any actions I might take, I am responsible for my
own well-being and above all else, safety and wise decisions will be my primary concerns.
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By SpeakWisdom Tagged diy tdcs, diy tdcs safety standards, diytdcs, foc.us, tDCS, tDCS Device, tDCS kit, tDCS safety,
tdcs wisdom, transcranial, transcranial direct current stimulation
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